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If your kids are mac and cheese enthusiasts (let’s be honest – what kid isn’t), this cheesy farro recipe is a fun, whole grain twist you need to try.
This cheesy farro comes together in minutes using only cooked farro, shredded cheese, milk, and butter – salt if you’d like. It’s cozy, comforting, and customizable depending on your kid’s cheese preferences (or what’s in your fridge).
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Why Farro?
Farro is an ancient grain that’s naturally high in fiber, iron, and plant-based protein – a win for growing kids and tired parents who want something easy and nourishing. It also has a chewy texture that holds up well in cheesy sauces and reheats well. Think of it like a mash between cheesy rice and mac n cheese – kind of like risotto.
Check out more kid-friendly farro recipes here!
Ingredients for Cheesy Farro
Cooked farro
This cheesy farro recipe works great with leftover farro, or you can cook some up fresh for this recipe. To make farro, bring a pot of water to boil like you would pasta, add the farro, boil until tender, and drain off excess water. The time will depend on what type of farro you’re using. I recommend getting a pearled farro or a quick cooking farro like the one from Trader Joe’s.
Butter
Butter seems to make everything better. In this recipe, butter helps add creaminess and melt the shredded cheese. You could go without butter, but it may not be as creamy.
Shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
We always have shredded cheese on hand, but we also like to shred our own when we have time using this cheese grater. While there’s nothing wrong or unsafe about the anti-caking agents used in pre-shredded cheese, sometimes it doesn’t allow it to melt quite as easily as shredding it yourself.
Milk or Milk Alternative
Milk helps the cheesy mixture blend together and create a smoother texture. You can add as much or as little milk depending on your desired consistency. Start with a small splash because you can always add more.
Feel free to use a milk alternative if that’s your family’s preference, or you’re accommodating sensitivities or a milk allergy. The flavor may change slightly depending on the milk alternative you choose.
Salt (optional)
A little pinch of salt in this cheesy farro recipe goes a long way and can help bring out the other flavors. Feel free to go without salt if you’d like.
How to Make Cheesy Farro
Not only does this cheesy farro recipe utilize simple ingredients, but it’s also really easy to make.
First, you’ll need to make the farro or use leftover farro if you have it.
If you need to make the farro, start by adding water to a pot, bring it to a boil, and add the farro, cooking it until tender, just like you would pasta, draining the excess liquid once it’s done.
If you’re using leftover farro, warm it up in the microwave for 30-second increments until warm. Once you have your warm farro, stir in the butter until fully melted.
Next, you’ll add the shredded cheese, salt, and milk and mix until gooey and evenly coated. You can microwave your cheesy farro to help the shredded cheese melt more if necessary.
Optional Add Ins
If your kids end up loving this cheesy farro recipe, you can consider expanding their palate further by using these add ins:
- Stir in peas, chopped spinach, or steamed broccoli for extra veggies.
- Mix in a dash of garlic powder or paprika for a little flavor boost.
- Add a spoonful of plain Greek yogurt for extra creaminess and protein.
Check out more ways to make mac n cheese healthier here!
Cheesy Farro
Equipment
- Sauce pan
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Cheese grater optional
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked farro
- 1 Tbsp butter
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese Colby jack, cheddar, or mozzarella
- splash milk
- pinch salt
Instructions
- Bring a pot of water to boil, add farro and cook until tender, draining excess water.
- While farro is still warm, mix in the butter until melted. Add in the splash of milk, pinch of salt, and shredded cheese, mixing until the cheese is melted and smooth. Microwave the cheesy farro for 30 to 60 seconds if the cheese needs more help melting.
- Serve warm as a side dish or main dish.
